Homebrew Bill Gets Positive Local Reaction

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)– It appears that Alabama will not be the last state to approve homebrewing. The Alabama Senate passed a law Tuesday night that legalizes the practice. It’s currently a felony.

“Very excited about it. It’s been a long time coming,” says Rick Tarvin.

Tarvin owns Straight to Ale, a local brewing company. He says the practice should never have been criminalized.

“It’s just a creative hobby, like making bread,” he says. “Which is something I used to do before I started home brewing.”

Tarvin says many engineers in Huntsville brew at home and are in danger of losing their jobs if they were to be caught.

“A lot of my friends can start brewing at home now,” he says. Or at least be public about it. And not worry about their jobs and being arrested. It was a felony.”

Governor Bentley is expected to sign the law. Mississippi has also passed a law making it legal. However, Mississippi’s law does not go into effect until July 1. If Bentley signs the law in the coming days, brewing beer and wine at home will be legal at that moment.